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What are 15 Best Places to Visit in Gangotri

Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi because of its old spiritual values. It is a place full of the most popular tourist attractions like religious places, hills, landscape season meadows, and lakhs.

This state has two parts, Garhwal and Kumaon which are fully equipped with religious places, wildlife, adventure, tourism and sightseeing.

All the parts of Uttarakhand remain cold or pleasant all around the year. In the winter season, there is acute cold and heavy snowfall,

particularly in the remote and mountain areas which is the main attraction for tourists.

This is a famous pilgrim because the Hindu God Lord Shiva locked the River Ganga in his hair to save the earth and mankind from the heavy fall of the Ganga which was not possible for the earth to tolerate.

This is a very cold place with heavy snowfall in the winter season and has an elevation of about 3420 meters in the Greater Himalayan peaks. Gangotri is one of the holy Char Dham of Hindus.

This place is supposed to observe the architect of the Nagara pattern which is constructed with marble stone of white colour.

The look of this temple is not on the inherent sculpt of Hindu temples. The Garbha Griha is given due importance and is installed at a proper height in the temple. The devotees do puja (prayer) on the seat placed in front of this Garbha Griha.

The holy holies have an idol of the Hindus Goddess Ma Durga. The idols of the Goddess Annapurna, Yamuna, Lakshmi and Saraswati are also placed at this location.

The holy holies were completed by the idol of the saga Adi Sankara and Bhagirath. This temple is also equipped with the Hindu’s most worshipped gods Ganesha, Bhagirath, Hanuman and Lord Shiva.

Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this temple is at the highest level in Uttarakhand. The main origin point of Ma Ganga is Gaumukh which is located at the downside of the Gangotri show side where Ma Ganga is famous as Bhagirathi. This temple is constructed near the Bhagirath filly.

It is supposed that Bhagirath Shila is one of the holy rocks of the worship of King Bhagirath to the God Lord Shiva. The Gangotri temple is closed to the public w.e.f Diwali each year and opened again on Akshaya Tritiya and in this time the idol of the goddess is placed in Mukhba village.

The main three basins of pilgrims bathe is located near the river the water of which is supposed to be very sacred and taken by the pilgrims for their use in spiritual rituals and distribute to their loved ones.

These Basins were dedicated to the main Gods of Hindus Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Gangotri overflows with Hindu devotees during the yatra who visit to worship in the temple and visit other holy places in Gangotri and near it.

Places of Attraction near Gangotri:

Here are 15 places of attention (must-visit attractions) in and around Gangotri, Uttarakhand, India — a sacred destination and part of the Char Dham Yatra:

1. Gangotri Temple

Main attraction of Gangotri.
Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, built at an altitude of 3,100 meters.
Opens in April/May and closes in October/November.

2. Bhagirath Shila

A sacred rock near the temple.
Believed to be the place where King Bhagirath meditated to bring Ganga to Earth.

3. Gaumukh Glacier

Source of the River Ganga (Bhagirathi).
Trek of about 18 km from Gangotri.
Stunning views of glacier and peaks like Shivling.

4. Tapovan

High-altitude meadow at the base of Mount Shivling.
Famous for trekking, yoga, and meditation.
Offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.

5. Nandanvan

Scenic trekking spot near Gaumukh.
Campsite and base for expeditions to Bhagirathi peaks.

6. Surya Kund

A waterfall near Gangotri Temple.
Water from the Bhagirathi River gushes down into a natural pool.

7. Gauri Kund

Near Surya Kund.
A small sacred pond where Goddess Parvati is believed to have bathed.

8. Pandava Gufa

Ancient cave believed to be used by Pandavas during exile.
A short trek from Gangotri.

9. Harsil Valley

Beautiful Himalayan valley about 25 km from Gangotri.
Known for apple orchards, rivers, and peaceful surroundings.

10. Dharali Village

22 km before Gangotri.
Picturesque and spiritually significant.
Famous for Sage Bhagirath’s penance.

11. Bhairon Ghati

Located about 10 km from Gangotri.
Known for the Bhairav Nath Temple amidst thick deodar forests.

12. Nelong Valley

Restricted area near the India-China border.
Resembles Tibetan landscapes, open to limited tourists.
Requires special permission from authorities.

13. Gangnani

About 50 km before Gangotri.
Known for hot water springs and a peaceful ashram atmosphere.

14. Lanka Bridge

Scenic spot on the way to Gangotri.
One of the highest bridges in the region over a deep gorge of the Bhagirathi River.

15. Surya prayag

Confluence point of rivers near Gangotri.
Offers a serene location for photography and quiet contemplation.

How to reach Gangotri Temple:

Airport near Gangotri: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to this village and is located about 250 km. from this place.

Railway Station near Gangotri: Rishikesh Railway Station is located about 240 km. away from this village.

By Road: This temple is situated in Uttarkashi which is well connected by bus from different parts of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Gangotri.

The Ideal Time to Visit Gangotri: May to October during the Char Dham yatra when a large number of devotees visit Gangotri.